The Dill plant ( Anethum graveolens ) is an annual herb native to northern Africa, eastern Europe and China. It was grown as far back as 3000 BC in ancient Egypt and India. Dill is cultivated all over the world because of its culinary and medicinal uses and is popular as an essential oil. Dill is a popular ingredient in European, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine and is one of the key ingredients in the curry powders of India. The leaves of Dill are used as a herb to flavour soups, sauces, salads, lamb and fish and the ripe fruits can be used to add flavour to things like cucumber, onion, pastry and bread. Anethum graveolens has a strong aroma when crushed, like the smell of Caraway with a subtle hint of Anise and Lemon. Dill is often grown in pots with other popular herbs and is great at attracting wildlife into the garden. The fragrant yellow flowers are helpful in attracting a wide range of insects to the garden. Growth Dill grows to an average height of 60 cm’s but can get as tall as 1.5 metres in optimal conditions. The plant prefers a rich, moist soil in a full sun position. This species can be grown in the garden or in deep pots if the containers are deep enough because they have robust tap roots that depth to grow. Dill prefers a hot, dry climate but can also be grown in both sub-tropical and tropical regions. However, in these climates the plant will need protected from wet during the rainy seasons because it is susceptible to root rot. Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record. FAMILY: Apiaceae CLIMATE: Temperate to Tropical TEMPERATURE RANGE: 8-45°C / 45-110°F SOIL TYPE: Dill can grow in a wide range of soils. LOCATION: Full Sun. HEIGHT: Up to 1.5m (5 feet) above ground WIDTH: Up to 20 cm’s (8 inches) pH: 5.3-7.8 GROWTH TYPE: Annual. WATER REQUIREMENTS: Medium POLLINATION: Bees, wasps, lacewings, and flies. MATURITY: Average of 5-6 months for seeds. GERMINATION RATES: 75% GERMINATION TIME: 2-3 weeks at temperatures between 18-25°C / 65-77°F GERMINATION DIFFICULTY: Easy SEEDS PER GRAM: Approximately 800 MEDICINAL QUALITIES: Yes WEED POTENTIAL: Yes. EDIBLE: Yes SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY: Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years. FACTS ABOUT ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS (Dill) Dill can help increase the flow of milk in breast feeding mothers and prevent colic in the baby through the milk. The seeds can be chewed to help with bad breath and a variety of remedies have been used to assist with coughs, headaches, flatulence, cold symptoms, and period pain. In recent years, the yellow flowers of Anethum graveolens have become increasingly popular in floral arrangements.
